Moves like Jaguar

MANILA, Philippines – Drifting has been making inroads in the local motoring scene for the past few years now, thanks to the efforts of local drifting aficionados.

But in a move that could catapult it to new heights, revered global luxury car brand Jaguar has lent its name to the sport and trotted out its XFR variant for some tire-burning time at the Jaguar Driftfest in Taguig last Sept. 22.

Drifting aficionados may note that other sport cars like the Porsche and Corvette can be used for drifting, provided they are the rear wheel variants.

But nothing could prepare fans for the sight of a Jaguar XFR burning rubber on a drifting track.

One of the motoring world’s most luxurious brands just might have earned some street cred.

Drift kings

For the past 7 years, Ian King and Paolo Arespacochaga have been at the forefront of this otherwise infant motor sport in the country.

King runs the Kings Car Control Clinic that gives lessons on drifting. Arespacochaga is his head instructor.

“Drifting is basically being in control of a vehicle that is out of control. It involves a lot of skill,” King said.

Every month or so, King, Arespacochaga and their friends preside over drifting competitions where local novice and pro drivers pit their skills against each other. 

“Drifting is definitely growing,” Arespacochaga exclaimed.

Power and angles

Like all things in motoring, it all starts with a foot on the pedal as power cranks the rear wheels.

As the car enters a corner, either more throttle or the handbrake or a combination of both is applied, angles are created and the car is thrown into a drift.

Arespacochaga explained that, in competitions, judges are looking at driving style. Ideally, drifters should negotiate the whole of the track sideways, or on a drift where the front wheels are pointing in the opposite direction of where the car is going.

Any straightening out of the car earns demerits.

According to Arespacochaga, drifters are out to follow what he calls “the perfect line,” an imaginary line on the track that assures drivers hit all required clipping points and are drifting throughout.

“In a sense, we are all rebels. We push the limits. Drifting is freedom. We feel liberated when we are drifting. And it’s a real adrenaline rush,” Arespacochaga said.

But he also stressed that safety is paramount in drifting. Helmets, rollbars and other safety gear are prerequisites. Any infraction of rules in competitions can merit an immediate disqualification.

During the event, it was the pro drivers that drew the oohs and ahs from the audience with their near-perfect drifting lines, bringing them within inches of concrete barriers.

By early afternoon, a steady rain began to drench the track.

“It will be more challenging now, its trickier,” said Arespacochaga. He explained that a wet track would reduce traction considerably.

Moves like Jaguar

A drifting car is a sight to behold, the graceful offspring of the shotgun marriage between a skillful drift driver and a powerful machine, a contradiction of finesse and muscle.

Both car and driver push each other to the hilt to produce pure poetry in motion.

“Drifting takes your skills to the limit. It’s controlling a car to both your absolute limits. And it’s a chance to show your driving skills,” King said.

The sight of a drifting Jaguar is something else, a balance of beauty and ferocity.

In the able hands of King, the XFR negotiates turns with tires screeching and the engine growling. Its rear end flowing and flicking around the track like a baton in the hands of a conductor.

“Why drift a Jaguar? Why not? We are still a luxury brand but we want to show that we can still have some fun. We also want to show what the car can do,” said a visibly proud Marc Soong, Executive Director of Jaguar Cars Inc.

With the entry of the one of the world’s most luxurious car brands, the local drifting scene has reached a whole new level. And there is no other way but up.

“Pinoy drivers can be good at anything. We can excel in any motor sports as long as there is support,” Arespacochaga said. – Rappler.com